THREE people are in police custody following an incident outside a north east nightclub which left a 24-year-old man fighting for his life.

The disturbance broke out at around 1.25 am on Saturday near the Gass club in Houghton-le-Spring town centre.

When officers arrived at the club they found a young man lying unconscious with head injuries.

He was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital but was later transferred to Newcastle General where his condition was described yesterday as "critical but stable.''

Police were yesterday still making extensive enquiries into the attack and an officer at Houghton CID confirmed that three people were in custody following the attack.

The injured man is believed to come from Easington Lane and has not yet been named.

Police are calling on anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them on (0191) 4547555.